Mr. José Miguel "Cheo" Bermudez

UTICA – Mr. José Miguel “Cheo” Bermudez, age 52, passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022. Cheo was born to Gloria Ortiz and the late Marco Bermudez on May 11, 1970 in Guayama, Puerto Rico. From his earliest age, he carried with him a love for all things food, and completed his studies at culinary school in Syracuse. He had a passion for cooking and his skills in the field shone. He also had a known sweet tooth, which he would indulge occasionally. Everyone always knew Cheo was a strong person, but never was that more apparent than when, at age 24, he suffered a stroke and had to relearn everything. At the time, he promised he would be back – and he certainly fulfilled that promise and more! Cheo not only relearned to be self-sufficient, but he went above and beyond and applied himself in body building. He spent so much of his time training at Body Alive Gym in Utica, which paid off – to the point of winning the Mr. Utica title in 2014 and he even had an article in Sports Illustrated written about him. His athleticism wasn’t limited to the gym. Cheo also had a deep love of music and was a superb dancer. In particular, he loved salsa style and his natural ability to sing made him better at it. Most importantly, Cheo loved spending time with his family and friends, sharing good food and drink, especially when Tio was around. All who knew Cheo felt his goodness and strong character. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with those he loved, enjoying the beauty and activities on the beach. Cheo leaves behind his loving mother, Gloria Ortiz; and his three sons and their families, Junito Bermudez, José “Machito” Bermudez, Jr., and Manuel Bermudez. He will also be greatly missed by his siblings, Cocepcion “Conchita” Bermudez, Marco “Papote” Jr. and Elise Bermudez, Pedro “Pello” and his companion Lori Brinkley – with whom José resided this last year – Maria Carmen Bermudez, José “Pito” and Melissa Melendez, and Aida and Anel Melendez. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and cousins, especially Benji, Susa, Janet, and Uncle “Tio” Angel Ortiz. He was predeceased by his sister, Gloria “Tati” Bermudez; and his nephews, Carlos X. Torres, Jr., and Pedro Bermudez, Jr. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Final Blessing will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place graveside in Calvary on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.

Mr. José Miguel "Cheo" Bermudez

May 11, 1970 - September 23, 2022